Part of the ongoing clampdown on corruption that took place under the previous government, the arraignment of Mr Kuku by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is in relation to fund allocated to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Yesterday, Mr Kuku's case was presented before Justice Mamman Kolo of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
Although not personally present in court, Mr Kuku, who is also a former coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, has now been formally charged along with one, Lawrence Pepple, who served as his a technical assistant. Mr Pepple was specifically accused of knowingly acquiring interest in a private company where he is a director and sole signatory of the company’s account.
In addition, Mr Pepple is also accused of doing this while being employed in the public service as a technical assistant on reintegration to the special adviser on Niger Delta Affairs. Mr Kuku and Henry Ogbolue, his special assistant on media and communications, will also appear before the court on another two-count charge.
These other charges border on criminal conspiracy and the awarding of contracts worth over N27m to a private company which has Mr Ogbolue is the sole signatory to the accounts. In addition, Mr Ogbolue is specifically accused of deliberately failing to declare his assets located at Plot 261, Durumi, Abuja while filling his assets declaration form on September 4 2015.
Although no reason was given for the absence of the two defendants, the court has fixed April 20 as new date for their arraignment. It is expected that Mr Kuku will appear in court personally next month.
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